Word Origin & History

c.1300, "silver penny," probably from Middle English sterre (see star (n.)), from the stars that appeared in the design of certain Norman coins, + diminutive suffix -ling. The other theory is that it derives from Old French estedre "stater" (see stater).

Sense broadened by 1560s to "money having the quality of the sterling," and c.1600 to "English money in general." A pound sterling was originally "a pound weight of sterlings," equal to about 240 of them.

Example Sentences for sterlings

Without a word he left the house and walked directly to that of the Sterlings.

The next morning Mr. Jones called at the Sterlings', and was amazed to find Derrick already showing signs of recovery.

The subject of this conversation was Dorothy Page, whose palatial home was next door to the home of the Sterlings.

There is no happier Baptist family in Kentucky and none destined to a wider usefulness than that of the Sterlings.

We may however mention, that sterlings are the free settlers born in Europe, and the currencies such as are born in the colony.

You must have had a good time with the Sterlings, and doubtless you all suffered from overfeeding.

I am sorry for the Sterlings, who will, I fear, be unusually long getting up.

A solicitor who was intimate with the Sterlings, and knew Reed very well, had been present towards the end.

Of the exact date of Sterlings first visit to Highgate there is no record.

The pater walked over to the Court after tea, carrying the grievance of his destroyed plants to the Sterlings.